4th of July Celebration Activities

There are so many ways to celebrate the 4th of July while staying in Black Mountain, Old Fort/Marion, Lake James, Montreat, and the Asheville area, and this year is extra special because we'll be celebrating America's 250th birthday!

•  McCormick Field  Asheville Tourists -  Celebrate America's 250th Birthday and enjoy Independence Day fireworks with a hot dog in hand at a baseball game on Friday, July 3rd, and Saturday, July 4th, at the historic McCormick Field downtown. The first pitch is at 7:05 PM.
  

•  Montreat - A longstanding tradition is the 4th of July Celebration which will take place on Saturday, July 4th starting at 7 AM with the Annual Gait Race 5k, the Montreat Parade at 10:30 AM, Old Timers' Softball Game at 2 PM, Ice Cream Social at 2-4 PM, Lawn Games from 2-3 PM, Free Pool, Boats, and Tennis from 2-6 PM, and more. The night ends with a Fourth of July Big Circle Mountain Dance from 7-10 PM. 

•  Downtown Asheville - Hosts its main Independence Day Block Party on the South Slope between Coxe Ave and Buxton Ave downtown on Saturday, July 4th.  Enjoy live performances, check out the Coxe Ave Car Show, and stick around for a fireworks show that will blow you away—literally and figuratively. Note that fireworks are set off closer to 9:30 PM. If you're looking for an epic viewing spot, swing by VISUALS Rooftop Bar above Eulogy. They'll have festive cocktails and panoramic views of the biggest summer party of the year. Seating is all first-come, first-served, but there is plenty of standing room!
  

•  South Asheville - Hosts its own fireworks display at Lake Julian on Saturday, July 4th, but the fun will be happening all day long from noon until 10 PM. Bring a lawn chair and blanket and sit along the lake. Visitors can park across the street at Estes Elementary School on Long Shoals Road.

•  Black Mountain Fireworks - The fireworks will once again be launched from behind the former Bi-Lo Grocery Store (behind Starbucks and The UPS Store) on Saturday, July 4th. They will begin at dusk and can be viewed from various locations around town. 

•  The Town of Marion - Will host its annual Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, July 4th. The parade begins at 6 PM, followed by a street dance with live music at 6:30 PM, food vendors, and fireworks at 9:30 PM. Be sure to bring your camp chairs!
  

•  Lake James & Morganton - To honor the 250th year of freedom, there will be a huge celebration in Glen Alpine featuring parade floats, marching bands, food, music, and a whole lot of red, white, and blue on Saturday, July 4th, starting at 10 AM! That evening, enjoy an epic firework show from Freedom Park in Morganton (nearby viewing spots include Freedom High School, the Soccer Complex at Catawba Meadows, and the Ingles parking lot). 

• In Burnsville - Celebrate Independence Day in the Burnsville Town Square on Saturday, July 4th, from 3-9:30 PM.  The event will feature family-friendly fun throughout the day, including yard games, children’s activities, live music, historical information and demonstrations, local vendors, and opportunities to learn more about America’s 250th anniversary. Be sure to stick around for the fireworks display to cap off the celebration!

• The Old Fort 4th of July Rodeo - Tradition continues on Friday, July 3rd, and Saturday, July 4th. There will be professional Bull Riding, Barrel Racing, Cowboy Action, and Wild West entertainment for the whole family. Food trucks will also be on hand to satisfy everyone's taste. Downtown Old Fort will also host its annual parade on Saturday, July 4th, at 4 PM, with a fireworks show following around 9:30 PM, on Catawba River Road.